Zonta Rues Toyota's First Engine Failure

Brazilian Ricardo Zonta was left very disappointed after he retired when he looked set to score his best result in Formula One at today's Belgian Grand Prix.

The Toyota driver had endured a nightmare qualifying session on Saturday and started the race from the back of the grid, but he pushed his way back into the points and looked set for fourth position when his engine gave up three laps from the end.

It was Toyota's first engine failure of the season.

"After the difficult qualifying session yesterday, it was very good for me to be running in fourth place in today's race before my engine blew," said Zonta. "With three laps to go, I was certain that we had the car to hold on to that position. This was the chance that I have been waiting for many years, so I am obviously disappointed.

"I was pushing really hard throughout the race and it was nice to see a Toyota racing with a Ferrari towards the end. In my opinion, the team really demonstrated their potential here in Spa and I am happy with the job that everyone has done all weekend."

Frenchman Olivier Panis scored one point for Toyota, but the he claimed he could have scored a better result and was also disappointed.

"I took one point, which is the positive thing, but it was a day when we really could have scored more," said Panis. "I am disappointed for Ricardo and for everyone at Toyota. This was our first engine failure of the year, but at a time when we really didn't need it."